12 Things You Probably Never Knew About Flying

It doesn’t matter how often you travel, there are just some things about flying that remain a mystery to even those with millions of miles stored up. It makes sense when you think about it, because the airline industry is absolutely massive, involving more moving parts than any one person could ever keep in his or her head at the same time.

For this reason, we thought it would be fun to take a look at some little-known things about flying and air travel. To be sure, you might already know a couple of these if you’re a veteran. But, we’re willing to bet that you won’t know all of them! So, take a look and test your knowledge. These are 12 things you (probably) never knew about flying!

1. When The Cat’s Away…

There are some flights that have no passengers. On these flights, attendants will do a number of fun things, like surfing down the aisles on meal trays when the plane takes off and lands.

2. Attendants Will Talk

Being a flight attendant is just like any other customer service job… They talk about those passengers who are particularly annoying or rude.

3. Mile High Club

Thinking about trying to join the “Mile High Club”? Well, you can bet your attempts won’t be as discreet or as unnoticed as you think they’ll be…

4. Rushing Flight Attendants

Ever notice that flight attendants are really eager to get people into their seats during boarding? Well, that’s because they only get paid when the doors to the airplane are closed!

5. Ice-Intensive Drinks

If you’re rude to your flight attendants, you can bet that any cocktail you order will be extra ice-intensive.

6. Engine Air

Where does all the air you breathe on an airplane come from, you ask? Why, it comes from a valve attached to the airplane’s engines, of course!

7. No Partying

The hours for flight crews can be quite long and grueling, which usually translates into lots of shut-eye rather than partying on long layovers.

8. Baby Oil…

Wonder how flight attendants are able to keep their skin so moisturized despite the rigors of their job? Baby oil is the reason.

9. Germ Factories

If you’re afraid of germs and communicable disease, never ask a flight attendant about how truly dirty everything on an airplane is…

10. Prepared for a Fight

Flight attendants need to be ready for most anything. Among many things they learn, each will receive self-defense training…

11. Stain Removers

Spilled something on yourself while in flight? Consult your friendly attendant, because each is quite adept at getting stains out… They’ve each done so thousands of times!

12. Little Games

Flight attendants have all kinds of little games they play to keep the job entertaining. For example, they’ll often use weird categories to determine who’s going to say good-bye to which deplaning passengers.